Scottish charity marks 80 years

A charity which offers vital support to Scottish communities is celebrating a landmark anniversary.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has today (Monday 30 September) launched a new video to celebrate 80 years of the Citizens Advice network in Scotland.

The video, which features contributions from staff, volunteers, and expert commentators looks at the work the network does in providing advice and advocacy for the people of Scotland.

The five-minute video kicks off a series of events to mark the 80th anniversary of Citizens Advice in Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament will mark the anniversary with a member’s debate on Tuesday, led by Anas Sarwar MSP and with contributions expected from across the parliament.

CAS hopes the video, which will be promoted on social media feeds, will encourage more people to volunteer at their local bureau and seek out help if they need it.

The majority of people who work in bureaux are volunteers. Over 2,370 volunteers contributed more than 760,000 hours of their time in 2018-19 alone.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland helps hundreds of thousands of people every year and we’ve been doing it for 80 years now.

“When the first Citizens Advice Bureaux were established in the shadow of the Second World War, people were seeking help with things like ration books and evacuations.

“Today it’s more likely to be help with social security, debt, employment, or housing issues. But no matter the problem our staff and dedicated volunteers are there to help people across the country.

“Our video is a thank you to the extraordinary work our volunteers do, but also to highlight our services to people who need them. Anyone who needs free, confidential and impartial advice can speak to their local bureau.”

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.